Take on the fun and challenge of playing chess!  The Akela Chess Classic is a five-round chess tournament open to all Scouts BSA, Venturers, STEM Scouts in Technology Labs,  and Sea Scouts from age 10 to 20.  Tournament play is in three brackets: age 10-12, age 13-15, and age 16 and up.       

Participants must know the rules of chess as there will be no instruction on site at the tournament.  Tournament play is touch-move, meaning if a player touches a piece he must move it.  Games are at a time limit of one hour.  

Tournament rules are attached as a document to the right.  It is strongly recommended to read the tournament rules before registering.  The rules will also be available on site at the tournament.

Awards:  Each participating Scout receives a custom tournament patch.  Trophies/medals will be awarded to first, second, and third place by age bracket.  Multiple awards will be issued for ties.

Fees:  The cost is $25.00 per Scout.

What to bring:  Each Scout is to wear the field uniform.  It is preferred for the Scout to bring a bag lunch – no peanuts or nut products, please.  A responsible adult must be on site throughout the tournament.  Chess sets will be provided so please do not bring one.  

Register early!  The registration deadline is midnight on February 6.

When and Where 

February 11, check in at 8:30 AM.  Rounds are at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 2 PM.  Awards at 3:30 PM.

Marriott Scout Service Center

9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814

* Please note that this location follows Montgomery County Covid Guidelines - the current protocol will be emailed out closer to the event date!

Contacts 

Roger Claff, Tournament Director, reclaff@aol.com

Peter Snow, Co-Director, chessacademician@aol.com

Interested in the Cubs Chess Tournament? It's the previous Saturday, February 4! See here.